10th Conference on DNA Topoisomerases in therapy

The 10th Conference on DNA Topoisomerases in Therapy 6-8 October 1999 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands) covered basic research on DNA topoisomerases and aspects of topoisomerase-directed therapy. The understanding of basic aspects of enzyme functions and structures was discussed throughout the meeting, as this knowledge is fundamental to further developments of new and more effective therapeutic approaches. Several new crystal structures were presented, and implications for function and interaction with DNA and drugs were discussed. Knock-out mice for various topoisomerase genes have been produced and genes have been shown to differ in importance for development and survival. The interaction of topoisomerases with other proteins involved in DNA metabolism, chromosome stability and physiology were discussed. The main focus for cancer therapy was on camptothecins (CPT) and related compounds stabilizing covalent DNA-intermediates of topoisomerase I. Reports on recent clinical trials of first-generation, water-soluble CPT-analogs (topotecan and irinotecan) confirmed earlier findings of activity in several solid tumors and hematological malignancies. Improvements in efficacy and toxicity profiles are being sought in orally absorbable compounds and other drug formulations (e.g. in liposomes). Several new CPT-analogs at preclinical stages of development might also provide a greater stability of the lactone ring, higher DNA-binding affinity, and improved water solubility. New drugs have also been developed from a number of new non-CPT compounds, which inhibit the activity of DNA-topoisomerases but do not stabilize the DNA-linked form of the enzymes. Another focus of the meeting was on therapeutic targeting of microbial DNA topoisomerases. The antibiotic potential of the quinolones has been extended to gram-positive pathogens, particularly Streptococcus pneumoniae. The cloning and biochemical characterization of the DNA-topoisomerases of eukaryotic parasites such as Plasmodium falciparum or Candida albicans have been completed and the search for specific inhibitors targeting these enzymes is under way. Copyright 1999 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.